UN office concerned over killings in Central African Republic

Child in conflict-affected village in the Central African Republic – BINUCA

The UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) is calling on the transition authorities in the country to uphold their duty to protect citizens following recent violence which has left at least 12 people dead and wounded 30 others.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Office said it was deeply concerned over what it described as "dramatic incidents" in the town of Boali, where armed groups killed and injured innocent people, including children.

UN officials have repeatedly spoken about the crisis in the Central African Republic, where a rebel coalition known as Séléka seized power in March of this year. Lately, clashes between former Séléka fighters and self-defense militias have erupted.

The UN office also called for those responsible for the violence to be brought to justice, with a view to combating the "persistent impunity" in the country.